Bill on pot dispensary regulation before Fortuna City Council; members to consider sending letter of support

The Fortuna City Council will vote Monday on whether to authorize a letter of support for a proposed state bill that would give cities and counties more options to regulate or prohibit the sale and cultivation of medical marijuana.

The staff report states Senate Bill 1262 would address three things: "advancing local control, protecting public safety and creating uniform health and safety standards that ensure the lawful distribution of medical marijuana only in those cities and counties in which it is authorized."

The report also states that the bill would "safeguard the right of the cities and counties to decide whether to prohibit or regulate medical marijuana cultivation and distribution."

The Fortuna City Council adopted a medical marijuana dispensaries ban in July 2008.

The council will also consider approving and ratifying supplemental language for the tentative agreement with the Fortuna Police Department regarding K-9 officer compensation. According to the report, K-9 training outside a regularly scheduled work day will be compensated with time and a half of the normal pay rate and food, grooming and veterinary expenses will be reimbursed.

The current compensation is set to be updated because "the current K-9 dog (Zorro) will be retiring this year on or before June 30," according to the report. A police dog is set to begin training this month.